Inconel 718 Powder 2025: Properties, Applications, and Top Suppliers
Overview
Inconel 718 powder is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant nickel-based superalloy known for its exceptional mechanical properties, weldability, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, energy, and 3D printing applications, where high-performance materials are required.
This alloy consists primarily of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), niobium (Nb), and titanium (Ti), providing excellent oxidation resistance, stress corrosion resistance, and thermal stability.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Inconel 718 powder for 3D printing, its properties, applications, production methods, and leading suppliers in 2025.
Best Inconel 718 Powder
When it comes to 3D printing, Inconel 718 powder is one of the most sought-after materials due to its high strength, excellent printability, and resistance to extreme environments.
Why Choose Inconel 718 for 3D Printing?
- High-Temperature Strength – Maintains mechanical properties up to 700°C.
- Excellent Corrosion & Oxidation Resistance – Ideal for aerospace and energy applications.
- Superior Weldability – Unlike many nickel alloys, Inconel 718 is highly weldable.
- High Fatigue Resistance – Perfect for high-stress applications.
- Good Machinability – Easier to process than some other nickel-based alloys.
Comparison of Inconel 718 vs. Other 3D Printing Powders
| Property | Inconel 718 | Inconel 625 | Ti6Al4V | Stainless Steel 316L | AlSi10Mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.19 | 8.44 | 4.43 | 7.99 | 2.7 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 1035-1250 | 760-1035 | 900-1100 | 485-620 | 320-450 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | High |
| Temperature Resistance (°C) | 700 | 1000 | 600 | 500 | 300 |
| Cost ($/kg) | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$ |
As the table shows, Inconel 718 offers the best balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and printability, making it a top choice for aerospace, defense, and high-performance 3D printing applications.
How to Choose the Right Inconel 718 Powder
Not all Inconel 718 powders are created equal. Selecting the right one depends on particle size, purity, and production method.
Key Factors in Choosing Inconel 718 Powder
- Particle Size Distribution – Common sizes: 15-45µm (LPBF, SLM), 45-75µm (DED, Binder Jetting).
- Sphericity – Spherical powders ensure better flowability, higher density, and reduced porosity.
- Purity – Low oxygen and sulfur content improves mechanical performance.
- Production Method – Gas atomization and PREP provide superior powder quality.
- Application Compatibility – Ensure the powder is compatible with your specific 3D printing or manufacturing process.
Why Choose Heeger Materials Inc. ?
Heeger Materials Inc. is a trusted supplier of high-quality Inconel 718 powder, utilizing Vacuum Induction Gas Atomization (VIGA) and Plasma Rotating Electrode Process (PREP) to achieve high purity, excellent flowability, and uniform particle size distribution.
If you need premium Inconel 718 powder, Heeger Materials is an excellent choice.
Top Inconel 718 Powder Suppliers in 2025
Finding a reliable supplier is essential for consistent quality and performance in high-end applications.
Leading Inconel 718 Powder Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Country | Specialization | Production Methods | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heeger Materials Inc. | USA | 3D Printing Powders | VIGA, PREP, EIGA | Visit Site |
| AP&C (GE Additive) | Canada | Aerospace & Medical | Plasma Atomization | N/A |
| Höganäs | Sweden | Metal Powders | Gas & Water Atomization | N/A |
| EOS GmbH | Germany | Additive Manufacturing | Gas Atomization | N/A |
Why Heeger Materials?
- 40+ years of expertise in powder metallurgy.
- Advanced atomization processes ensuring high-quality spherical powders.
- Strong collaborations with universities, research institutes, and aerospace companies.
- Competitive pricing and global distribution.
Looking for premium Inconel 718 powder? Contact us today!
Quality Standards
Ensuring that Inconel 718 powder meets strict quality standards is crucial for aerospace, energy, and additive manufacturing applications. High-quality powders reduce defects, enhance mechanical properties, and improve part reliability.
Key Quality Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM F3055 | Specification for Inconel 718 powder used in additive manufacturing. |
| AMS 5662 & 5663 | Aerospace Material Specifications for Inconel 718. |
| ISO 9001 | Certification for quality management systems ensuring consistency. |
| AMS 7002 | Standard for nickel-based superalloy powders in 3D printing. |
| NADCAP | Certification for aerospace manufacturing processes. |
Why Buy Certified Inconel 718 Powder?
- Consistent Particle Size & Shape – Ensures uniform printing and sintering.
- Improved Mechanical Properties – Meets strength, hardness, and fatigue resistance requirements.
- Minimized Defects – Reduces issues like porosity, cracking, and oxidation.
- Compliance with Aerospace & Defense Standards – Essential for critical applications.
At Heeger Materials Inc., we manufacture high-quality Inconel 718 powder that meets ASTM, AMS, and ISO standards, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Cost Analysis
The price of Inconel 718 powder is influenced by several factors, including production method, purity, and demand.
Factors Affecting Inconel 718 Powder Cost
- Production Method – Gas atomization (GA) and PREP are costly but yield high-quality spherical powder.
- Particle Size Distribution – Fine powders (15-45µm) for LPBF are more expensive due to higher processing precision.
- Purity Levels – Lower oxygen and sulfur content increases cost but improves mechanical performance.
- Supply & Demand – Prices fluctuate based on global market demand and raw material costs.
Price Comparison of Inconel 718 vs. Other Metal Powders
| Powder Type | Cost ($/kg) | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Inconel 718 | 100−100 – 100−350 | Aerospace, energy, defense, 3D printing |
| Inconel 625 | 150−150 – 150−400 | High-temperature applications |
| Ti6Al4V | 300−300 – 300−600 | Medical, aerospace |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 80−80 – 80−150 | General engineering |
| AlSi10Mg | 50−50 – 50−120 | Automotive, industrial 3D printing |
While Inconel 718 is more expensive than stainless steel, its superior high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance make it a cost-effective choice for high-performance applications.
Request a price quote for bulk orders of Inconel 718 powder.
Particle Size and Shape
The particle size and morphology of Inconel 718 powder play a key role in printability, flowability, and final part properties.
Why Particle Size Matters
- Fine Powder (15-45 µm) – Best for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and selective laser melting (SLM).
- Medium Powder (45-75 µm) – Used in binder jetting and direct energy deposition (DED).
- Coarse Powder (75-150 µm) – Suitable for metal injection molding (MIM) and cold spray.
Spherical vs. Irregular Powder: Which is Better?
| Powder Shape | Characteristics | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Spherical | Excellent flowability, uniform packing, low porosity | 3D printing, SLM, LPBF |
| Irregular | Lower flowability, higher porosity, cheaper production | MIM, Binder Jetting |
Gas-atomized spherical Inconel 718 powder is ideal for 3D printing due to its superior flowability, density, and reduced defects.
Explore our high-quality spherical nickel alloy powders.
Production Methods
Different powder production methods influence particle shape, purity, and cost.
Comparison of Production Methods
| Production Method | Particle Shape | Purity | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Atomization (GA) | Spherical | High | $$$ | 3D Printing, Aerospace |
| Water Atomization (WA) | Irregular | Medium | $$ | MIM, Binder Jetting |
| PREP (Plasma Rotating Electrode Process) | Highly Spherical | Very High | $$$$ | Aerospace, Medical |
Gas atomization is the most widely used method for Inconel 718 powder, ensuring excellent sphericity, low oxygen content, and high purity.
Heeger Materials Inc. specializes in gas-atomized and PREP-produced Inconel 718 powder, providing superior quality and consistency.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Inconel 718 powder used for? | It’s used in aerospace, marine, energy, and defense industries for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications. |
| Why is Inconel 718 preferred for 3D printing? | It offers high strength, excellent weldability, and oxidation resistance, making it ideal for critical components. |
| What is the difference between Inconel 718 and Inconel 625? | Inconel 718 has higher strength and hardness, while Inconel 625 has better corrosion resistance. |
| What is the typical particle size for Inconel 718 powder? | 15-45µm for LPBF, 45-75µm for binder jetting & DED. |
| Where can I buy high-quality Inconel 718 powder? | Heeger Materials Inc. provides premium Inconel 718 powder for industrial applications. |
Conclusion
Inconel 718 powder is a high-performance material that delivers exceptional strength, oxidation resistance, and durability. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, energy, and additive manufacturing industries.
For the best quality Inconel 718 powder, Heeger Materials Inc. offers high-purity, spherical powders produced using advanced atomization techniques.
Looking for premium Inconel 718 powder? Contact us today!
